Wednesday; January 5

I remember times, when our children were small, that Jeane and I knew they were cranky because they just needed some rest. We could see they were upset and realized that the cure to what ailed them was some sleep, but they were bound and determined they weren’t going to relax. The more they squirmed, the more they fussed and the more they fussed, the more upset they made themselves. On more than one occasion, we would tell ourselves (and them) that if they could just calm down for a few minutes, they will be asleep and all of us would be better off!
Have you ever thought about how much we emulate this challenge even as adults? We keep ourselves worked up over life – especially things we can’t control. We allow things to whip us into a frenzy that keeps us awake at night and robs us of the peaceful contentment we claim we want. Interestingly, like our children, we are our own worst enemies. Rather than allowing God to swaddle us in the warmth of His peace and protection, we fuss and fight – sometimes with others, but more often, inside ourselves.

Psalm 46:10 has become a favorite passage for many people because it challenges us to “Be still”, however, I like the way the New American Standard Bible presents it, “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”. As I think of the imagery of “cease striving”, my mind goes back to a child being held tightly in the arms of a caring parent hoping (and sometimes praying) that the child will give into their desire to comfort them. By relaxing, both parent and child will find peace. In other words, the key to our life of anxiety is merely to “Let go and let God”.

Think About It!

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